UFC signs heavyweight Jon Olav Einemo to multi-fight deal

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has a new heavyweight with some good grappling chops.

Two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club division champ Jon Olav Einemo (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the promotion, according to a release Monday from his fight team, Golden Glory.

There’s no word yet on when the Norwegian will make his octagon debut.

It’s been a while since Einemo stepped into the spotlight. He has not competed professionally since November 2006, when he submitted James Thompson by armbar at “Too Hot To Handle: Pride and Honor.” That win put him back on the right track after his first career setback when Fabricio Werdum beat him on points at PRIDE 31.

Then Einemo took a long break. It was the second major layoff of his career after a serious infection in his leg took him out of competition from 2003 to 2006, according to a report today on Sherdog.com.

In the grappling world, Einemo holds the distinction of being the first man to defeat ADCC absolute champion Roger Gracie.

All but one of Einemo’s professional wins come by way of first-round submission.